Around the world in 10 items or fewer

The United States said on Sunday it would fully support a global anti-smoking treaty at this week's world health meeting, startling observers by dropping its objections to the pact.

"I'm going to support it--much to the surprise of many around the world," U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson told journalists on the eve of the World Health Organization's annual assembly.

Despite having some of the world's toughest anti-smoking rules, the United States, along with Germany, had opposed a clause to ban advertising, saying it went against constitutional guarantees to free speech. But Thompson stopped short of saying the U.S. would ratify the global treaty on tobacco control.

3. UPS AND DOWNS OF SARS: Taiwan saw its biggest one-day jump in SARS infections Sunday while China reported its lowest daily increase in deaths from the respiratory illness. The conflicting reports from two of the hardest-hit areas by the virus came a day after the World Health Organization said the majority of SARS outbreaks around the world are coming to an end.

4. BIRTHDAY ADMISSIONS: Pope John Paul II celebrated his 83rd birthday Sunday with an open-air Mass and requests for prayers so he can continue his papacy--yet another sign that he will press on despite his age and ailments.

On Saturday, a top Vatican official acknowledged what many observers have long suspected--that John Paul suffers from Parkinson's disease.